The 1933 Chrysler Imperial Phaeton will be on display at the Academy of Art University vintage car exhibit at The San Francisco Chronicle 60th annual International Auto Show.

The 1933 Chrysler Imperial Phaeton will be on display at the Academy of Art University vintage car exhibit at The San Francisco Chronicle 60th annual International Auto Show.

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The 1934 Packard is part of the Academy of Art University’s car collection.

The 1934 Packard is part of the Academy of Art University’s car collection.

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The 1950 Jaguar XK120 alloy will be part of a display of automobiles ranging from the 1920s to 2016, including cars specially selected to celebrate the auto show’s six decades.

The 1950 Jaguar XK120 alloy will be part of a display of automobiles ranging from the 1920s to 2016, including cars specially selected to celebrate the auto show’s six decades.

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The 1931 Pierce Arrow Sedan is part of the collection.

The 1931 Pierce Arrow Sedan is part of the collection.

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Academy of Art University to exhibit classic cars

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Lovers of classic cars will have the opportunity to get close-up views of some of the most revered automobiles ever built when the 60th annual San Francisco International Auto Show opens Nov. 18.

Cars personally selected by Curator Wayne Barnes from the San Francisco Academy of Art University collection will be showcased at the Moscone Convention Center for the entire run of the auto show.

“We are proud to be able to exhibit vehicles that represent the elegance, style, craftsmanship, technology and innovative spirit of automotive designers of the past and the future,” show Director Kevin Diamond said. “We appreciate the opportunity provided by Elisa Stephens, president of the university.”

The university was founded in 1929 by her grandfather, Richard S. Stephens, a painter and creative director of Sunset Magazine, and his wife, Clara, in a rented loft on Kearny Street. His son, the late Richard A. Stephens, who began the car collection, served as president until 1992, when he was named chair emeritus. He was succeeded as president by his daughter.

More than 9,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in the university’s 19 degree or certificate programs, including the industrial design department, home to the car collection.

Department head Tom Matano uses the collection on the Van Ness Avenue campus to inspire for his students.

“The collection is also open to the public by appointment,” said Barnes. “Proceeds from the admission fee are donated to the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco and Rotary,”

Students can also enroll in flexible online degree programs in most majors.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of Western Association of Schools and Colleges, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Council for Interior Design Accreditation and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information about the university, visit www.academyart.edu or call (800) 544-2787.

For more information about the International Auto Show or to order tickets, visit www.sfautoshow.com. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12-years and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Classic cars on display

Gems from the San Francisco Academy of Art University car collection will be on display at the auto show. The display will showcase automobiles ranging from the 1920s to 2016, including cars specially selected to celebrate the auto show’s six decades of bringing the best new vehicles to Northern California residents.